Freedom Struggle 1885-1905-Phase 1

ORIGIN OF NATIONALISM

The Rise of Nationalism is reflected in the spirit of Renaissance in Europe when freedom from religious restrictions led to the enhancement of national identity. This expression of Nationalism was furthered by the French Revolution. The political changes resulted in the passing of Sovereignty from the hands of an absolute monarch to the French citizens, who had the power to constitute the nation and shape its destiny. The watchwords of the French Revolution – Liberty, Equality and Fraternity – inspired the whole world. Many other revolutions like the American Revolution, the Russian Revolution, etc.  also strengthened the idea of Nationalism.

Rise of Nationalism in India

For India, the making of national identity was a long process whose roots can be drawn from the ancient era. India as a whole had been ruled by emperors like Ashoka and Samudragupta in ancient times and Akbar to Aurangzeb in Medieval times. But, it was only in the 19th Century that the concept of a national identity and national consciousness emerged. This Growth was intimately connected to the anti-colonial movement. The social, economic and political factors had inspired the people to define and achieve their national identity. People began discovering their unity in the process of their struggle against colonialism.

The sense of being oppressed under colonial rule provided a shared bond that tied different groups together. Each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently. Their experiences were varied, and their notions of freedom were not always the same. Several other causes also contributed towards the rise and growth of Nationalism. One set of laws of British Government across several regions led to political and administrative unity. This strengthened the concept of Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship and one nation among Indians. This economic exploitation by the British agitated other people to unite and react against British Government’s control over their lives and Resources. The social and religious reform movements of the 19th century also contributed to the feeling of Nationalism. Swami Vivekananda, Annie Besant, Henry Derozio and many others revived the glory of ancient India, created faith among the people in their religion and culture and thus gave the message of love for their motherland. The intellectual and spiritual side of Nationalism was voiced by persons like Bankim Chandra Chatterji, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Aurobindo Ghosh. Bankim Chandra’s hymn to the Motherland, ‘Vande Matram’ became the rallying cry of patriotic nationalists. It inspired generations to supreme self-sacrifice. Simultaneously, it created a fear in the minds of the British. The impact was so strong that the British had to ban the song. Similarly, Swami Vivekananda’s message to the people, “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”, appealed to the Indians. It acted as a potent force in the course of Indian Nationalism.

Around this time many organizations were being formed which raised their voices against British rule. Most of these organizations were regional in nature. Some of these organizations were very active such as Bengal Indian Association, Bengal Presidency Association, Pune Public Meeting, etc. However it was felt that if these Regional Organizations could work jointly it would help the Indian masses to raise their voices against the British Rule. This led to the formation of Indian National Congress in the year 1885.

EMERGENCE OF INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (1885)

The Indian National Congress was founded by Allan Octavian Hume in 1885. Hume was a retired Civil Service Officer. He saw a growing political consciousness among the Indians and wanted to give it a safe, constitutional outlet so that their resentment would not develop into popular agitation against the British rule in India. He was supported in this scheme by the Viceroy, Lord Dufferin, and by a group of eminent Indians. Womesh Chandra Banerjee of Calcutta was elected as the first President. The Indian National Congress represented an urge of the politically conscious Indians to set up a national organization to work for their betterment. Its leaders had complete faith in the British Government and in its sense of Justice. They believed that if they would place their grievances before the government reasonably, the British would certainly try to rectify them. Among the liberal leaders, the most prominent were Firoz Shah Mehta, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Dada Bhai Naoroji, Ras Behari Bose, Badruddin Tayabji, etc. From 1885 to 1905, the Indian National Congress had a very narrow social base. Its influence was confined to the urban educated Indians. The early aims of this organization were limited only to communicate with British government on behalf of the Indian people and voice their grievances. It was rightly called the era of the Moderates.

Initial stages of Indian National Congress

The congress placed its demands before the government always in the form of petitions and worked within the framework of law. It was for this reason that the early Congress leaders were referred to as ‘Moderates’. During its first twenty years the Congress made moderate demands. The members placed their demands before the Government always in the form of petitions and worked within the framework of law. It was for this reason that the early Congress leaders were referred to as ‘Moderates’ They asked for: (a) representative legislatures, (b) Indianization of Services, (c) reduction of military expenditure, (d) Education, EMPLOYMENT and holding of the ICS (Indian Civil Services) examination in India, (e) decrease in the burden of the cultivators, (f) defense of civil rights, (g) separation of the judiciary from the executive, (h) change in the tenancy laws, (i) reduction in land revenue and salt duty, (j) policies to help in the growth of Indian industries and handicrafts, (k) introduction of welfare programmes for the people. Unfortunately, their efforts did not bring many changes in the policies and administration of the British in India. In the beginning, the Britishers had a favourable Attitude towards the Congress. But, by 1887, this attitude began to change. They did not fulfill the demands of the Moderates. The only achievement of the Congress was the enactment of the Indian Councils Act, 1892 that enlarged the legislature by adding a few nonofficial members and passing of a resolution for holding Indian Civil Services Examination simultaneously in London and in India. Many leaders gradually lost faith in the Constitutional process. Even though the Congress failed to achieve its goal, it succeeded in creating national awakening and instilling in the minds of the Indian people a sense of belonging to one Nation. They provided a forum for the Indians to discuss major national issues. By criticizing the government policies, they gave the people valuable political training. Though, They were not ready to take aggressive steps which would bring them in direct conflict with the Government. The most significant achievement was the foundation of a strong national movement. The Britishers who were earlier supporting the Moderates soon realized that the movement could turn into a National force that would drive them out of the country. This totally changed their attitude. They passed strict laws to control education and curb the press. Minor concessions were given so as to win over some Congress leaders. The British Viceroy, Lord Curzon was a staunch imperialist and believed in the superiority of the English people. He passed an Act in 1898, making it an offence to provoke people against the British rulers. He passed the Indian Universities Act in 1904, imposing stiff control over Indian Universities. Curzon was out to suppress the rising Nationalism in India. This was evident from what he did in 1905.,

The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885 by a group of Indian intellectuals and professionals. The INC was a political party that aimed to achieve independence for India from British rule. The INC was led by a number of prominent Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The INC organized a number of protests and demonstrations against British rule. The INC also launched a number of civil disobedience campaigns. The INC’s efforts eventually led to the independence of India in 1947.

The following are some of the key events of the Freedom Struggle 1885-1905-Phase 1:

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885.
• The INC was a political party that aimed to achieve independence for India from British rule.
• The INC was led by a number of prominent Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• The INC organized a number of protests and demonstrations against British rule.
• The INC also launched a number of civil disobedience campaigns.
• The INC’s efforts eventually led to the independence of India in 1947.

The following are some of the key figures of the Freedom Struggle 1885-1905-Phase 1:

• Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent Indian leader who led the Indian independence movement. He is also known as the “Father of India”.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India. He was also a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement.
• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Father of Indian Unrest”. He was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Subhash Chandra Bose: Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Netaji”. He was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Lala Lajpat Rai: Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Punjab Kesari”. He was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Gopal Krishna Gokhale: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Father of Indian Liberalism”. He was a strong advocate for Indian self-government within the British Empire.
• Dadabhai Naoroji: Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Grand Old Man of India”. He was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Pherozeshah Mehta: Pherozeshah Mehta was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Lion of Bombay”. He was a strong advocate for Indian self-government within the British Empire.
• Annie Besant: Annie Besant was a prominent British-Indian activist who was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Sarojini Naidu: Sarojini Naidu was a prominent Indian poet and activist who was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Bipin Chandra Pal: Bipin Chandra Pal was a prominent Indian leader who is known as the “Father of Extremism”. He was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Aurobindo Ghosh: Aurobindo Ghosh was a prominent Indian philosopher and yogi who was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.
• Sister Nivedita: Sister Nivedita was a prominent Irish-Indian social worker and educator who was a strong advocate for Indian independence from British rule.

The following are some of the key documents of the Freedom Struggle 1885-1905-Phase 1:

• The Indian National Congress (INC) was founded in 1885.
• The INC was a political party that aimed to achieve independence for India from British rule.
• The INC was led by a number of prominent Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• The INC organized a number of protests and demonstrations against British rule.
• The INC also launched a number of civil disobedience campaigns.
• The INC’s efforts eventually led to the independence of India in 1947.

The following are some of the key laws and acts of the Freedom Struggle 1885-1905-Phase 1:

• The Indian Councils Act of 1861: The Indian Councils Act of 1861 was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reformed the legislative councils in British India.
• The Indian Councils Act of 1892: The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was an act of the Parliament of the United

The Indian freedom struggle was a long and complex process that began in the 18th century and culminated in India’s independence in 1947. There were many different phases and movements within the struggle, each with its own goals and strategies.

The first phase of the freedom struggle, from 1885 to 1905, was known as the “Moderate Era.” During this time, Indian nationalists focused on working within the British system to achieve reform. They formed the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885, and used it to petition the British government for greater rights for Indians.

The Moderate Era came to an end with the rise of the “Extremist” movement in the early 1900s. The Extremists, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, believed that Indians could not achieve independence through peaceful means. They advocated for more radical methods, such as boycotts and strikes.

The Extremist movement was met with repression from the British government. Tilak was imprisoned, and the INC was banned. However, the Extremists’ ideas gained popularity among many Indians, and they helped to pave the way for the next phase of the freedom struggle, the “Non-Cooperation Movement” of the 1920s.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for nonviolent resistance to British rule. The movement was a major turning point in the freedom struggle, and it helped to unite Indians of all faiths and backgrounds against the British.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was followed by the “Civil Disobedience Movement” of the 1930s, and the “Quit India Movement” of 1942. These movements, along with the work of other Indian nationalists, eventually led to India’s independence in 1947.

The Indian freedom struggle was a long and difficult process, but it ultimately resulted in the creation of a free and independent India. The struggle was marked by many different phases and movements, each with its own goals and strategies. However, all of these movements were united by a common goal: to achieve independence for India.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Indian freedom struggle:

• What were the main goals of the Indian freedom struggle?

The main goals of the Indian freedom struggle were to achieve independence from British rule and to establish a democratic and secular nation-state.

• Who were the main leaders of the Indian freedom struggle?

Some of the main leaders of the Indian freedom struggle included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Subhash Chandra Bose.

• What were some of the major events of the Indian freedom struggle?

Some of the major events of the Indian freedom struggle included the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the Indian National Congress’s Swadeshi movement of the 1900s, the Non-Cooperation Movement of the 1920s, the Civil Disobedience Movement of the 1930s, and the Quit India Movement of 1942.

• What was the impact of the Indian freedom struggle?

The Indian freedom struggle had a profound impact on Society/”>Indian Society and politics. It helped to unite Indians of all faiths and backgrounds against British rule, and it led to the creation of a free and independent India.

1. The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. Who was its first president?
   (A) Dadabhai Naoroji
   (B) Surendranath Banerjee
   (C) W.C. Bonnerjee
   (D) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

2. The Swadeshi movement was started in 1905. What was its main objective?
   (A) To boycott British goods
   (B) To promote Indian industries
   (C) To overthrow British rule
   (D) To achieve self-government

3. The partition of Bengal was announced in 1905. Which of the following was the main reason for the partition?
   (A) To weaken the Indian National Congress
   (B) To appease the Muslim League
   (C) To improve the administration of Bengal
   (D) To increase the number of British subjects in India

4. The Swadeshi movement was a major turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. Which of the following was not a result of the Swadeshi movement?
   (A) The rise of nationalism in India
   (B) The growth of the Indian National Congress
   (C) The development of Indian industries
   (D) The increase in Hindu-Muslim unity

5. The Indian National Congress adopted the goal of swaraj (self-rule) in 1906. What was the main reason for this change in policy?
   (A) The failure of the British to meet the demands of the Indian people
   (B) The growing influence of the extremist faction in the Indian National Congress
   (C) The partition of Bengal
   (D) The rise of the Swadeshi movement

6. The Morley-Minto Reforms were introduced in 1909. Which of the following was not a provision of the Morley-Minto Reforms?
   (A) The introduction of a system of dyarchy in the provinces
   (B) The expansion of the Indian Legislative Councils
   (C) The increase in the number of elected members in the Indian Legislative Councils
   (D) The introduction of separate electorates for Muslims

7. The All-India Muslim League was founded in 1906. What was its main objective?
   (A) To promote the interests of Muslims in India
   (B) To achieve self-government for Muslims in India
   (C) To overthrow British rule in India
   (D) To achieve a separate homeland for Muslims in India

8. The Lucknow Pact was signed in 1916 between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League. Which of the following was not a provision of the Lucknow Pact?
   (A) The principle of joint electorates for Hindus and Muslims
   (B) The principle of separate electorates for Muslims
   (C) The principle of communal representation for Muslims
   (D) The principle of Hindu-Muslim unity

9. The First World War broke out in 1914. Which of the following was the main impact of the First World War on the Indian freedom struggle?
   (A) The growth of nationalism in India
   (B) The rise of the extremist faction in the Indian National Congress
   (C) The partition of Bengal
   (D) The rise of the All-India Muslim League

10. The Indian National Congress launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920. Which of the following was not a demand of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
    (A) The boycott of British goods
    (B) The withdrawal of students from government schools and colleges
    (C) The resignation of government servants
    (D) The refusal to pay taxes

The answers are:
1. (C)
2. (B)
3. (A)
4. (D)
5. (A)
6. (D)
7. (A)
8. (D)
9. (A)
10. (D)